Overview
Q-L939 is one of the two principal downstream branches of Q-L933 and represents a Late Pleistocene–Early Holocene Siberian population layer. This lineage demonstrates strong associations with the central Siberian forest belt and exhibits a wide but low-frequency distribution across the Yenisei and western Siberian regions. Its demographic history suggests that L939-bearing populations persisted through climatic oscillations by relying on riverine and taiga-adapted subsistence strategies.
Geographic distribution
Q-L939 occurs among Ket, Selkup, Evenki, and several mixed Siberian groups. It extends westward into some Uralic-speaking populations and eastward into central Siberian forest-steppe zones. Low occurrences also appear among Altai and Sayan groups due to regional interaction.
Ancient DNA
- Ancient individuals from the Ob–Yenisei interfluve show L939-compatible ancestry patterns.
- Its TMRCA fits the period when Siberian forager populations expanded northward following glacial retreat.
- The lineage reflects a demographic layer distinct from both Paleo-Arctic coastal groups and later steppe pastoralists.
Phylogeny & subclades
L939 has several parallel shallow sublineages tied to specific river systems and taiga population isolates. Its structure indicates long-term drift within small demes.
Notes & context
Q-L939 is important for reconstructing mid-Holocene Siberian forest-zone demographic dynamics.
References & external links